Sustac Side Effects

Sustac is a medication commonly used to treat angina (chest pain) and certain heart conditions. It works by relaxing and dilating blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart. While Sustac can be effective, it may also cause side effects. Here are some common and less common side effects Sustac may include.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: This is one of the most common side effects of Sustac. The headache is often a result of the dilation of blood vessels, including those in the head.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: Sustac can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly.
• Flushing or warmth of the skin: Some people may experience redness or warmth of the skin, particularly in the face and neck.
• Nausea or vomiting: Sustac can cause nausea or, in some cases, vomiting.
• Tolerance development: Prolonged use of Sustac can lead to the development of tolerance, where the medication becomes less effective over time. This may necessitate adjustments to the dosage or the use of other medications.

Less Common Side Effects

• Fast or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia): Some individuals may experience an increased heart rate or irregular heartbeats while using Sustac.
• Paleness or bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis): In rare cases, Sustac can cause changes in skin color.
• Allergic reactions: Although uncommon, some people may experience an allergic reaction to Sustac, which can manifest as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• Methemoglobinemia: Sustac has the potential to cause an increase in methemoglobin levels in the blood, a condition known as methemoglobinemia. This can lead to symptoms such as cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin) and shortness of breath.
• Increased intracranial pressure: Sustac may increase pressure within the skull, which could be problematic for individuals with certain neurological conditions.

Sustac is one of the leading brands of Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), manufactured and marketed by Searle Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.

Presently, Sustac is available in tablet form.

Sustac Tablets : 2.6mg and 6.2mg strengths.

1. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors: Drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil, can potentiate the blood pressure-lowering effects of Sustac. Concurrent use can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure, posing a risk of fainting or other cardiovascular complications.
2. Riociguat: This medication, used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, may enhance the hypotensive effects of Sustac, increasing the risk of low blood pressure.
3. Antihypertensive medications: Other drugs used to treat high blood pressure, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and ACE inhibitors, may have additive effects on blood pressure when used in combination with Sustac.
4. Tricyclic antidepressants: Amitriptyline and other tricyclic antidepressants may enhance the hypotensive effects of Sustac.
5. Antipsychotic medications: Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, and other antipsychotic drugs may increase the hypotensive effects of Sustac.
6. Alcohol: Consuming alcohol while taking Sustac can increase the risk of dizziness and low blood pressure.
7. Heparin and other anticoagulants: Sustac may enhance the anticoagulant effects of heparin and other blood-thinning medications, increasing the risk of bleeding.